How to Behave on Social Media During a Divorce

How to Behave on Social Media During a Divorce

Spouses in the process of divorce are strongly advised to think twice before posting on social media accounts, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram—the list goes on. While entertaining, social media content simultaneously serves as legal evidence during divorce proceedings, evidence that is capable of spurring a frenzy in the courtroom.

The hard and fast rule about posting on social media while you are engaged in divorce proceedings is that when you are in doubt, don’t post. What you do not post cannot be used against you in court. If you must update your social media profiles, follow these additional guidelines:

Don’t Delete Social Accounts

When in doubt about your social profiles, speak with your attorney.

In the midst of a divorce, spouses may be eager to delete less than appealing photos, messages or even their entire social media accounts. Do not delete social content for two important reasons:

Reason #1: Deleting social media accounts, messages or images can be misconstrued in a court of law as spoliation (the legal term for deleting evidence). As mentioned, social media contents are considered legal evidence during a litigation.

Reason #2: You may wish to delete the photo of you with disheveled hair and a frown. If you delete it, the opposing side can claim you were intoxicated instead of just having a less than stellar hair day.

Digital forensics is capable of uncovering even deleted data. When in doubt about your social profiles, speak with your attorney.

Post Positive

If you must post on social media during divorce proceedings, do not post illegal, immoral or disparaging comments or photos. Posts depicting you gambling, drinking or smoking marijuana, for instance, will be used against you in court.

Posts showing excessive partying or drinking can lead the judge or opposing counsel to assume you are disinclined to be a responsible parent. Such posts can sway the judge into giving you less time with your children.

Only positive and truthful social media posts are advised if you must post at all during the midst of a divorce. Staying positive on social media includes refraining from posting any negative comments about your soon-to-be ex, his or her lawyers, mediators, evaluators and especially the judge.

Don’t Lie

Lying once on social media or misrepresenting yourself to lawyers will immediately destroy any credibility you may have with the judge. Plus, you put yourself at risk for contempt in court and being prosecuted for perjury. Blurting out lies will jeopardize winning your divorce or child custody case.

On social media, do not stage photos. For instance, you may want to demonstrate your attentiveness as a parent. You may snap and post a photo of you at your child’s football game, only to leave a minute later. Witnesses will set the story straight. Instantly, your child custody battle is severely weakened.

Know Posts Are Fair Game

Everything you do or say on social media will be uncovered by opposing lawyers, the divorcing spouse and his or her friends and family. This evidence more often than not will be used against you in court.

Since social media reflects who you are at any given time, keep this fact in mind during your divorce trial. Think twice about constantly complaining about single parental obligations on social media. Doing so is likely to hurt you when child custody issues arise.

Don’t Rave About Finances

If you recently purchased a shiny new Ford truck or a vacation home in San Juan, don’t brag. Photos of luxuries will work against you when alimony or child support come up. Rather, during a litigation, paint a realistic picture of your finances.

Don’t Discuss the Case on Social Media

Even if you believe your case is handled wrongly, do not discuss the trial online. Appeals are available for a brief span after the ruling. Rather than vent on social media, discuss concerns with your attorney.

Don’t Post Romantic Photos

During the divorce proceedings, you may start dating. Posting photos of a new romantic interest can be twisted by the opposing counsel. Your ex may claim adultery. As a consequence, spousal support may be irreversibly barred.

Equally important is to not post intimate photos. Possible incarceration, awards for financial damage or the loss of one’s job may result from posting intimate photos to scandalous sites without the other party’s consent or knowledge.

Set Privacy Settings

During a divorce trial, set social media privacy settings to the highest level. Privacy settings do not preclude social media users’ content from being found. Being tagged in photos or mutual friends can leak damaging information. Plus, certain social media platforms arbitrarily change privacy settings.

Entrust Friends

Social media users can protect themselves to an extent when involved in a divorce trial. Ask trusted friends to keep an eye out for content that may be harmful to your case. If disparaging details are floating around, seek the advice of your lawyer.

During a divorce, your reputation is thoroughly scrutinized. Social media plays a substantial part in deciphering your character—though it is rarely the single source for information.

When you are on the brink of divorce and are seeking a reputable divorce attorney, turn to Allen Gabe Law, PC. As an experienced family law firm, our attorneys will skillfully help you navigate through complex court proceedings, including divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, domestic violence and alimony. Unresolved issues surrounding social media etiquette as it relates to divorce can be readily answered by the lawyers at Allen Gabe Law, P.C.

Allen Gabe Law’s team of expert family law attorneys stay up to date and are highly knowledgeable about current Illinois laws. Our divorce attorneys offer not only legal expertise, but an unwavering dedication to the clients and families of each case they handle. Especially in custody, abuse and paternity cases where children are involved, the attorneys at Allen Gabe Law, P.C. proceed with sensitivity to protect the youth.

Our divorce lawyers at Allen Gabe Law are active in the communities they serve. We provide exemplary legal services to residents in Schaumburg, IL and the surrounding suburbs. Private consultations are available.

As a specialist in divorce law, family law, litigation, real estate and business and corporate law, Allen has provided responsible legal representation for clients in a wide variety of matters for over 30 years. Allen is also a sought-after public speaker within the attorney community.

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